Knitting an afghan was never on my bucket list of needle crafts. The idea of creating a giant square that my cats would ultimately take over did not seem to me worth the time and expense.
Then I opened a yarn shop and began displaying the Great American Afghan. Everyday a new customer stops in and comments on its grandeur, uniqueness, and beauty. So, having grown weary of saying that no, I did not knit the sample hanging in the shop, I started knitting my own.
At first I knit somewhat reluctantly. Now I can’t get enough! Each square is so unique, and the skills I am learning tackling each one in turn is helping me become a more creative and refined knitter. My favorite aspect is playing with color and trying to match the right color to the right texture. Its like a giant puzzle that I can adjust to suit my purposes!
This is the real value of projects like this–it is so completely customizable that you can draw inspiration from almost anything. For those of you endeavoring to tackle this afghan, I encourage you to try every square, if for no other reason than to learn a new skill. But then be sure to add your own creative touch to the final product, whether that means eliminating or adding squares, playing with color, or experimenting with designing your own. After all, it is this kind of freedom and exploration that is celebrated in the Great American Afghan.
Knitting the Great American Afghan together
Join us once or twice a month to knit the Great American Afghan! We meet regularly to share tips, gain inspiration, and help each other stay motivated throughout the project. Our gatherings are informal, so drop in any time to meet and learn from one another!
While we are each tackling the project at a different pace, the consensus has been to complete squares as a group in the following order:
1. Square #3, Traci Bunkers
2. Square # 13, Nicky Epstein
3. Square #4, Celeste Pinheiro
4. Square #8, Kathy Zimmerman
5. Square #14, Sidna Farley
6. Square #20, Diane Zangl
7. Square #22, Heather Lodinsky
8. Square #21, Sally Mellville
9. Square #10, Wendy Sacks
10. Square #18, Joan Schrouder
11. Square #23, Meg Swansen
12. Square #24, Gene Beugler
13. Square #5, Jacqueline Jewett
14. Square #2, Paula B. Levy
I have been knitting for many years but sort of off and on!. Actually, I would get bored with the yarn as everything seem to be the same. Having been in your shop I have gained a renewed love and can see many yarns of fun and excitement going on. Now I wonder if I will have the time. I am glad you are in town
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Thank you, Janice! I’m glad to be in Dubuque too, and I look forward to seeing you here more often!